Sam Mendes' James Bond follow up to Skyfall - SPECTRE is just over a month away from smashing into UK cinemas on the 26 October 2015. Even though we have been following the production it feels like its imminent release kind of snuck up on us.

Since seeing Skyfall we have been positively hanging to see what Sam Mendes does with Bond 24 or SPECTRE as it is now known. But it has been a bit of a bumpy road - what with Bond screenwriting duo Neal Purvis and Robert Wade confirming they would be leaving the franchise just as Skyfall became its biggest success. Thankfully they did a turnaround. Sam Mendes hinted he may not return after Skyfall but again after some persuasion he has, unfortunately master cinematographer Roger Deakins has moved on despite being nominated for an Oscar for his stunning work on Skyfall.

Their efforts on Skyfall resulted in an all time high for the Bond franchise.

Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world, taking over $1.1 billion worldwide and setting a new all-time box office record in the UK by becoming the first film to take over £100 million.

Not to mention the critical acclaim.

The 23rd Bond Film Wins More Than 30 Awards. As well as breaking international box-office records and being named in the “top 10 films of the year” lists by over 90 globally renowned film critics, SKYFALL’s cast and crew also won a number of prestigious filmmaking awards.

For the first time ever a Bond film, that is Sam Mendes' Skyfall was nominated and won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film at the 66th British Academy Film Awards.

It had been 31 years since John Glen's For Your Eyes Only received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song in 1981 and 47 years since a Bond film was nominated for anything other than a sound related Oscar with Terence Young's 1965 Thunderball being nominated and winning the Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 38th Academy Awards.

In total Skyfall racked up 5 Oscar nominations; Best Score, Original Song, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Cinematography. That is just slightly less than the 7 Oscar nominations that all the other 22 Bond films combined.

Since Daniel Craig exploded onto screen as James Bond in Martin Campbell's 2006 rebirth of Bond - Casino Royale the Bond franchise has slowly been building upwards in both Bond's character growth as well as success. But how do you top Skyfall?

Well I think Esquire Magazine has for the most part covered this in their exclusive interview with SPECTRE lead and co-ProducerDaniel Craig:

We did have the conversation: it’s got to be bigger and better,” Craig says. “The stunts, the action, every department.” He holds out his palm, flat. It’s shaking. “I’m all jangly at the moment because it’s over. Sam has to lock the picture off for 7 September, so he’s got fuck-all time, basically. That’s it. Can’t go back and do it again. Tough shit.”

He doesn’t want to jinx it but, “I feel like we’ve all done our absolute fucking best and that’s a good feeling. Whether that makes a better movie we’ll see.”

Is the “classic Bond” ethos still in place, I wonder? “Times 10!” Craig almost shouts, momentarily revelling in his role as hype man. He repeats it when I laugh, holding his beer in the air. “It’s Skyfall times 10!”

And that is a point he is keen to make. For all the soul searching, he says, Spectre is “a celebration of all that’s Bond”.

There is a new supercar, the Aston Martin DB10. There are beautiful women, played by the va-va-voom Italian bombshell Monica Bellucci and the kittenish Léa Seydoux. There are signature set pieces: a thrilling opening in Mexico City; a car chase through Rome; action sequences in the Austrian Alps, in Tangier and in London. There’s a thuggish henchman (the first of Craig-era Bond) played by the former wrestler Dave Bautista. And there’s an evil megalomaniac, played by the great Christoph Waltz, devilish star of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained.

Reading the synopsis for SPECTRE it looks like the Bond team are again delving into the personal story of the man behind the mythos, how James Bond becomes 007 as well as slowly bringing more of the formulaic elements to the fore. But with some certainty all we can expect is the unexpected as the story rolls out and hopefully puts elements into play that push out into Bond 25 and beyond, bringing the same team together again to make some magic.

As the release is imminent and whilst the memories of the production in London are still fresh I thought I would put together a post that would be the equivalent of an extended cinematic montage training scene of all the SPECTRE production news in the build up to the release of SPECTRE.

We can expect to see Sam Mendes' SPECTRE in UK cinemas from the 26 October 2015. In the meantime I'll be updating this post with all the official news you need to know about SPECTRE.

October 2015
26 Oct: Watch the Red Carpet live stream of The CTBF Royal Film Performance World Premiere of SPECTRE
20 Oct: Sony release the latest 007 Vlog focussing on Sam Smith's SPECTRE theme song Writing’s On The Wall
06 Oct: Love GREAT Britain release an exclusive behind the scenes vlog on SPECTRE filming on location in London
04 Oct: Sam Smith releases the official music video for his SPECTRE theme song The Writing's on the Wall
02 Oct: The final SPECTRE trailer is unleashed online and it's a cracker!
01 Oct: Gillette USA release their rousing "Bond Moments campaign" advert

September 2015
25 Sep: Musician Sam Smith talks about his SPECTRE theme song The Writing's on the Wall
22 Sep: 007.com release the sixth SPECTRE Vlog focussing on the Action of SPECTRE
22 Sep Bond Promotional partner Heineken release their "The Chase" Bond advert starring Daniel Craig
16 Sep: SPECTRE World Premiere announced as the CTBF Royal Film Performance
15 Sep: Jaguar Land Rover Reveal Their Vehicles Starring In The New Bond Film SPECTRE
14 Sep: Sony launch their Made for Bond campaign
11 Sep: New International No Mercy TV Spot
10 Sep: 007.com releases 3 new pieces of poster art for SPECTRE
10 Sep: 007.com release an official Day of the Dead standee artwork
09 Sep: Belvedere Vodka release their "Excellent Choice, Mr. Bond" advert featuring SPECTRE Bond lady Stephanie Sigman
08 Sep: Sam Smith announced as SPECTRE Musical Artist and title of SPECTRE theme song is "Writing's On The Wall"
07 Sep: Vue announce box office booking for SPECTRE now open!
07 Sep: Singer Sam Smith tweets a very suggestive SPECTRE photo
03 Sep: New SPECTRE One Sheet Poster released

August 2015
24 Aug: 4 New SPECTRE Mexico Production photos from the Day of the Dead Opening scene are released
24 Aug: Sony announce SPECTRE Advance Box Office opens September 7
14 Aug: Two new SPECTRE production images featuring The Bond Women of SPECTRE Léa Seydoux and Monica Bellucci are released
13 Aug: SPECTRE Production Vlog alert! The Woman of SPECTRE

June 2015 - SPECTRE on location in Morocco & United Kingdom
28 Jun: @007 Tweets a photo of a sandstorm in Morocco
21 Jun: @007 Tweets a clapperboard from SPECTRE location in Morocco
15 Jun: Watch the SPECTRE Mexican Day of The Dead Vlog
15 Jun: 2 Production stills from the Mexico Day of The Dead shoot are released
13 Jun 2015: @007 Tweets a clapperboard from Westminister Bridge SPECTRE location
10 Jun: First SPECTRE TV Spot released

May 2015 - SPECTRE on location in United Kingdom
30 May: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE production shot from the HM Treasury building location in London
23 May: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE clapperboard from a London location, presumably the kitchen of Rules restaurant
09 May: @007 Tweets a photo of the two SPECTRE boats at an undisclosed location London
01 May: @007 Tweets a photo of a SPECTRE clapperboard with a motorcycle in the background, that looks like a Norton Commando 961 with machine guns

April 2015 - SPECTRE on location in Mexico, Morocco & United Kingdom
30 Apr: New SPECTRE Production Vlog: On location on Rome Supercar chase
30 Apr: 2 SPECTRE Production stills from Rome released
19 Apr: The US gets 2 a SPECTRE Title treatments
18 Apr: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE production photo from the London City Hall filming location

March 2015 - SPECTRE on location in Italy & Mexico
30 Mar: 3 New Rome SPECTRE Production stills released
27 Mar: First SPECTRE Teaser Trailer is unleashed
21 Mar: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE clapperboard photo from the Day of the Dead shoot in Mexico
19 Mar: International One Sheet Poster released
17 Mar: Second SPECTRE Teaser Poster released - It's a UK Quad
12 Mar: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE clapperboard shot from the interior of James Bond's London apartment
17 Mar: SPECTRE US Mono One Sheet Poster released
10 Mar: Columbia Pictures announces Stephanie Sigman has signed on to SPECTRE
03 Mar: 2 New SPECTRE Production stills are released giving us a first look at Mr. Hinx and Léa Seydoux's character

February 2015 - SPECTRE on location in Austria, Italy & United Kingdom
26 Feb: The second behind the scenes Vlog from SPECTRE is released Director Sam Mendes speaks
26 Feb: First image of Director Sam Mendes on the set of SPECTRE released
24 Feb: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE clapperboard from the Rome super car chase shoot
18 Feb: Sony release Rome photocall pictures
12 Feb: First look at SPECTRE in Austria and Daniel Craig as James Bond in SPECTRE
11 Feb: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE clapperboard from the home of Sir Winston Churchill- Blenheim Palace
07 Feb: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE Production photo from snowy Sölden, Austria

At 5:00pm GMT today the SPECTRE Red carpet live stream will commence and run live till 7:20pm. Thereafter it will loop for the next 24 hours. It can be watched below.

David Walliams, Susanna Reid and Rick Edwards, will host the SPECTRE red carpet for the YouTube homepage. The stream will be packed with exclusive interviews with the cast and filmmakers as well as clips from the film and all the action on the red carpet.

Video: The Royal World Premiere SPECTRE 007 - 26 Oct 2015

20 October 2015: Sony release the latest 007 Vlog focussing on Sam Smith's SPECTRE theme song Writing’s On The Wall

At 5:00 pm UK time today, Tuesday, October 20, the latest vlog from the set of SPECTRE will be released on www.007.com. Focusing on “Writing’s On The Wall,” singer/songwriter Sam Smith’s theme song for the film, the vlog features comments from Sam Smith, director Sam Mendes, and producer Barbara Broccoli.

Sam Smith said,

For me, the most timeless thing you can do, outside of making your own records… is Bond. It’s the most timeless, classiest thing to me there is to do.”

The Establishing Shot: 007.COM THE MUSIC OF SPECTRE VLOG - 26 OCT 2015

06 October 2015: Love GREAT Britain release an exclusive behind the scenes vlog on SPECTRE filming on location in London

An exclusive peek behind-the-scenes of the brand new James Bond adventure SPECTRE, filmed on location in Britain

Video: Exclusive SPECTRE Vlog

04 October 2015 : Sam Smith releases the official music video for his SPECTRE theme song The Writing's on the Wall

02 October 2015: The final SPECTRE trailer is unleashed online and it's a cracker!

Watch the final trailer for SPECTRE. A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

I have to say of all the Bond related adverts so far - Gillette certainly have the most rousing campaign. Tapping into danger, glamour, high adventure, a dab of poetry and that elusive Ian Fleming lifestyle for their adverts they come the closest to the mark in capturing the Bond ethos. And even though I favour a classic straight razor, coincidentally gifted to me on Skyfall's release by Nick (yes, that's really his name) of shaving-shack.com and haven't looked back since. I would feel invigorated using a Gillette blade after seeing this advert.

And that's before I even found out Bond costume designer Jany Temime has partnered with Gillette to provide style tips to help men feel confident and look their best "so they are prepared for their Bond Moments."

To benefit from Ms. Temime's Bond style knowledge take to Twitter on the 10th October (2015) and follow Gillette or the conversation using hashtag #BondMoments

Even the way in which a man shaves in the morning is well worth recording." - Ian Fleming

On Tuesday 22 September Heineken released their The Chase beer advert online and a day later onto TV and in cinemas. Heineken are the only partner to actually feature Bond - Daniel Craig in their campaign, building on the fleeting glance of Craig in their 2011 Skyfall marketing tie in with "The Express".

In "The Chase" we also get a glimpse of Herve Villechaize, Bond villain Francisco Scaramanga (Christopher Lee) or The Man with the Golden Gun's henchman Nick Nack. As with "The Express" which had a Joseph Wiseman Dr. No cameo his appearance is a jest.

In "The Chase":

James Bond unwittingly draws a bystander into the action as he tries to throw off his pursuers. Can she rise to the occasion and navigate in Bonds World?

Video: Heineken | The Chase advert Made for Bond

16 September 2015: SPECTRE World Premiere announced as the CTBF Royal Film Performance

LONDON, September 16, 2015 - Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today that the 24th James Bond adventure, SPECTRE, has been selected for The CTBF’s Royal Film Performance 2015.

The World Premiere will be attended by Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, and will take place on Monday 26th October at The Royal Albert Hall in London.

The CTBF Royal Film Performance is annually held in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF), the charity for the UK film, cinema and commercial television industries, dedicated to providing support for those working behind-the-scenes in times of hardship. SPECTRE will be the third Bond film chosen as an RFP title since its inception in 1946.

The World Premiere will also be attended by the film’s leading actors Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, David Bautista, Monica Bellucci, and Ralph Fiennes. The cast will also be joined on the red carpet by director Sam Mendes and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, vice patrons of the CTBF.

For the first time ever, the film will open on the same night at cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Following the World Premiere and the release in the UK and Ireland, SPECTRE will begin its rollout in territories around the world. The film will release in the US on November 6, 2015.

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli commented,

We are honoured that Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will attend the Royal Film Performance of SPECTRE and delighted the CTBF will be the beneficiary of the event.”

The President of the CTBF, Barry Jenkins OBE, commented,

We are absolutely thrilled that the World Premiere of SPECTRE has been selected as The CTBF Royal Film Performance 2015 and are most grateful to the Royal Family for their continued support.”

15 September: Jaguar Land Rover Reveal Their Vehicles Starring In The New Bond Film Spectre

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled the stunt vehicles that will be used in the latest James Bond movie “Spectre.”

Video: Behind the scenes at the Land Rover SPECTRE event

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view during the presentation of the Jaguar Land Rover vehicles starring in the new Bond film 'Spectre' on September 15, 2015 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover) (Enlarge)

The Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Land Rover Defender have been introduced at the palatial Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt in the presence of Spectre cast members Naomie Harris (Moneypenny) and David Bautista (Hinx).

The Jaguar C-X75 plays an important role in the 24th James Bond film, as the concept car is seen driving through the moonlit streets of Rome in one of the movie’s most iconic high speed chase scenes.

The C-X75 supercar was provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in collaboration with development partner Williams Advanced Engineering headquarters in Oxfordshire, England.

The specially modified Land Rover Defenders and the Range Rover Sport SVR also star in major action sequences shot in Austria. The Defenders were built by the JLR Special Operations division with huge 37-inch diameter off-road tyres and enhanced body protection to tackle the challenging terrain of the snow-covered mountain roads where the scenes were shot.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 15: Naomi Harris ( James Bond Spectre, Miss Moneypenny ) and Dave Bautista ( James Bond Spectre, Mr. Hinx ) next to a Jaguar C-X75during the presentation of the Jaguar Land Rover vehicles starring in the new Bond film 'Spectre' on September 15, 2015 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover) (Enlarge)

To have the opportunity to be a part of an iconic chase scene in a Bond movie and to drive the C-X75 supercar was like a dream come true for me. It truly is a beautiful beast of a car that will go down in movie history,”

actor David Bautista said.

I made my Bond debut in the Defender, and I have so many fond memories shooting that sequence in Turkey. It’s such a special franchise to be a part of, and I’m thrilled to be here in Frankfurt with the Jaguar Land Rover team,”

added actress Naomie Harris.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 15: Dave Bautista ( James Bond Spectre, Mr. Hinx ) and Juergen Vogel during the presentation of the Jaguar Land Rover vehicles starring in the new Bond film 'Spectre' on September 15, 2015 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover) (Enlarge)

Video: Behind SPECTRE

14 September 2015: Sony launch their Made for Bond campaign

We are less than two months away from Sam Mendes' SPECTRE, the 24th cinematic outing of Ian Fleming's James Bond, exploding on to screen in the UK - on 26 October.

In the run up to SPECTRE's release Sony have a little surprise for Bond fans and released a Bond inspired advert for their new Xperia Z5 smartphone and compact RX100 IV Cyber-shot camera. To create the advert they asked Danny Kleinman – the man behind many of the legendary Bond title sequences to direct and Miss Moneypenny herself - Naomie Harris to take the lead in the 60 Second advert highlighting the advanced functionality of both the Sony Xperia Z5 smartphone and compact RX100 IV Cyber-shot. All set to the iconic backdrop of Bond's home - London.

5 September 2015: 007.com release an official Day of the Dead standee artwork

Here’s your first chance to see the SPECTRE standee art which will be in cinemas from the end of September. The artwork features Daniel Craig as James Bond and Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann. SPECTRE is released on October 26 in the UK, and in the US on November 6, 2015.

8 September 2015: Sam Smith announced as SPECTRE Musical Artist and title of SPECTRE theme song is "Writing's On The Wall

Sam Smith SPECTRE Theme song The Writings on The Wall Pack Shot (ZOOM)

SAM SMITH TO SING TITLE SONG TO "SPECTRE"

CULVER CITY, Calif., September 8, 2015 - Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment today confirmed that Sam Smith has recorded "Writing's On The Wall," the theme song to SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond adventure. SPECTRE will be released in the UK on October 26 and in the US on November 6. The song, released by Capitol Records, will debut and be available to purchase and stream on September 25.

Multi-platinum selling artist Sam Smith has co-written the title song, "Writing's On The Wall," with fellow GRAMMY® Award winner Jimmy Napes. It is the first James Bond theme song recorded by a British male solo artist since 1965. Smith's debut album In The Lonely Hour launched at No. 1 in the UK and bowed in at No. 2 in the US, and has since earned five No.1 UK singles, four GRAMMY® Awards, three Brit Awards, six MOBO Awards, Q and AMA Awards.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the producers of SPECTRE, said, "Sam and Jimmy have written the most inspirational song for SPECTRE and with Sam's extraordinary vocal performance, 'Writing's On The Wall' will surely be considered one of the greatest Bond songs of all time."

Smith said: "This is one of the highlights of my career. I am honoured to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song. I am so excited to be a part of this iconic British legacy and join an incredible line up of some of my biggest musical inspirations. I hope you all enjoy the song as much as I enjoyed making it."

The 23 previous James Bond theme songs make up some of the most memorable movie music of all time. The previous Bond theme song, "Skyfall," was performed by Adele, and was honored with the Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, the Brit Award for British Single of the Year, and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Don’t miss your chance to get the best seats in the house because Bond is back on the big screen. Book now to join 007 on a thrilling globetrotting mission and we’ll enter you into our exclusive prize draw to win a trip to Rome, London or Morocco.

In the latest release, Bond must solve the biggest mystery in secret agent history – is he finished or just getting started? Starring the brilliant Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris.

Bond (Daniel Craig) runs along the rooftops in pursuit of Sciarra in Mexico City in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE..

Bond (Daniel Craig) runs along the rooftops in pursuit of Sciarra in Mexico City in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE.(ZOOM)

The Day Of The Dead parade is recreated in Mexico City for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE.

The Day Of The Dead parade is recreated in Mexico City for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE. (ZOOM)

24 August 2015: SPECTRE Advance Box Office opens September 7

SPECTRE ADVANCE BOX-OFFICE OPENS - 07:00,
MONDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
At 07:00 UK time on Monday 7th September, the box-office for SPECTRE will open across the UK and Ireland, giving cinema audiences the opportunity to book their tickets in advance to see Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s SPECTRE.

For the first time ever, the film will open to the public on the same night as the World Premiere in London, giving audiences the opportunity to be the first in the world to see the hugely-anticipated 24th film in the James Bond franchise.

Following the World Premiere and release in the UK and Ireland on 26th October, SPECTRE will begin its rollout in territories around the world. The film will release in the US on November 6, 2015.

Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world and earning over $1.1 billion worldwide. Skyfall set a new all-time box office record in the UK by becoming the first and only film ever to earn over £100 million, a record which remains unbeaten.

Peter Taylor, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Releasing UK commented

The success of Skyfall proves yet again the enduring appetite of audiences for great stories from the world of James Bond. SPECTRE will enhance, continue and develop that world, and we are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to ensure they will be amongst the first to experience it by booking their seats in advance.”

14 August 2015: Two new SPECTRE production images featuring the women of spectre Léa Seydoux and Monica Bellucci are released

SPECTRE
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond's actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

LONDON, July 17, 2015 - Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment are delighted to announce that the World Premiere for SPECTRE will take place in London on Monday, October 26, 2015.

For the first time ever, the film will open on the same night at cinemas across the UK and Ireland, giving audiences the opportunity to be the first in the world to see the hugely-anticipated 24th film in the James Bond franchise.

Following the World Premiere and release in the UK and Ireland, SPECTRE will begin its rollout in territories around the world. The film will release in the US on November 6, 2015.

Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world and earning over $1.1 billion worldwide. Skyfall set a new all-time box office record in the UK by becoming the first and only film ever to earn over £100 million, a record which remains unbeaten.

The latest vlog from the set of SPECTRE features Director Sam Mendes, Costume Designer Jany Temime, Costume Supervisors Anna Terrazas and Kenny Crouch, Crowd Hair Supervisor Tracey Smith, Line Producer Stacy Perskie and Make-Up Designer Naomi Donne, the footage gives viewers a glimpse of the spectacular costumes created for 1500 extras in Mexico City for the opening scene of SPECTRE.

I wanted the audience to be dropped right into the middle of a very, very specific, very heady, rich environment. It’s the Day of the Dead, everywhere you look there’s colour and detail and life. We’ve built floats and maquettes, the costumes are extraordinary and the craftsmanship is amazing.”

15 Jun: 2 Production stills from the Mexico Day of The Dead shoot are released

One of fifteen hundred extras dressed and made up to be part of the Day of the Dead parade in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE.

One of fifteen hundred extras dressed and made up to be part of the Day of the Dead parade in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE. (Enlarge)

Bond chases Sciarra through the Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Sciarra's helicopter swoops in to collect him in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE.

Bond chases Sciarra through the Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Sciarra's helicopter swoops in to collect him in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure SPECTRE Enlarge)

I love the idea of this fantastic car being in a one-on-one battle with another incredible car from Jaguar, which is similarly extraordinary actually. So it’s a cat-and-mouse game through the night time streets of Rome, at great speed, between two of the fastest cars in the world.”

Dave Bautista (Mr. Hinx)

It’s amazing. It’s one of those scenes that’s going to be very iconic. Just with the two cars racing through the streets of Rome – I mean, how often do you see that? It’s one of those things you only see in a James Bond film.”

12 March 2015: @007 Tweets a SPECTRE clapperboard shot from the interior of James Bond's London apartment.

We can guess that 007.com are hinting that this is James Bond's apartment as the book in the photo A Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies is a real book written by ornithologist James Bond and was on Ian Fleming's bookshelf at his home GoldenEye in Jamaica.

Upon thinking about a name for the character in his recently completed "spy story to end all spy stories" Casino Royale, Fleming drew inspiration from A Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies. The quote below is repeated in almost every book about Ian Fleming - but originally attributed to a Reader's Digest interview with Ian Fleming.

A 2002 Collins Edition of A Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies can be seen in possession of Pierce Brosnan's Bond in Lee Tamahori's 2002 Die Another Day when Bond pretends to be an ornithologist in Havana.

If you watch the video over here on the officialIan Fleming website you'll notice the copy of A Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies that Ian Fleming is carrying is a battered 1960s edition and has the same cover as the one which will presumably be on the bookshelf of James Bond's London apartment. I wonder if this is Ian Fleming's personal copy on loan from The Ian Fleming Estate?

I say wonder as I believe I recently saw a copy of A Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies on loan from The Ian Fleming Estate and it was actually a "Green" 1947 Second Edition.

It struck me that this brief, unromantic, Anglo-Saxon and yet very masculine name was just what I needed, and so a second James Bond was born"... I wanted the simplest, dullest, plainest-sounding name I could find, and 'James Bond' was much better than something more interesting, like 'Peregrine Carruthers.' Exotic things would happen to and around him, but he would be a neutral figure — an anonymous, blunt instrument wielded by a government department."

Filming on SPECTRE has now moved to Mexico City with Producer Michael G. Wilson and actress Stephanie Sigman (Estrella) taking part in a press conference to mark the occasion.

During the past 53 years, the James Bond movies have been renowned for filming in the most beautiful and exotic locations in the world,”

says Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

For the opening of SPECTRE, we are filming an exciting sequence in Mexico City featuring the Day of the Dead festival. Mexico City was chosen for the film because of the authentic needs of the story. This is the fourth time Bond has been to Mexico and indeed LICENCE TO KILL was shot almost entirely in Mexico City.”

03 March 2015: 2 New SPECTRE Production stills are released giving us a first look at Mr. Hinx and Léa Seydoux's character

26 February 2015: The second behind the scenes Vlog from SPECTRE is released - Director Sam Mendes

Moviegoers can see the second vlog from the set of SPECTRE on www.007.com. Focusing on director Sam Mendes, the behind the scenes footage features Daniel Craig as James Bond 007 as well as cast members Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, and Ben Whishaw.

"The reasons I’m doing the second Bond movie are the reasons I would do any movie, really, which is all to do with the story. And in this movie, ‘Spectre,’ what you have is a movie entirely driven by Bond. He is on a mission from the very beginning.” Additionally, “It’s about whether or not to pursue the life he’s always pursued, whether he matters and is he going to continue or not. And you’re going to have to come to see the movie to find out whether he does.”

26 February 2015: First image of Director Sam Mendes on the set of SPECTRE released

Director Sam Mendes on the set of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Production action adventure SPECTRE.

Director Sam Mendes on the set of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Production action adventure SPECTRE. (Enlarge)

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 18: EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Sony Pictures Entertainment commence filming in Rome, Italy for the 24th James Bond adventure SPECTRE. The full photoset can be viewed here.

12 February 2015: First look at SPECTRE in Austria and Daniel Craig as James Bond in SPECTRE Yesterday not only did we get a long overdue official James Bond Spectre clapperboard update from the set of Spectre shooting at Blenheim Palace - back here in the UK. We were also promised the first official behind the scenes footage of Spectre today at 7am.

18 December 2014: The Establishing Shot visits SPECTRE Thames shoot location As you must no doubt be aware there is much excitement in the capital as filming of Bond 24 SPECTRE is continuing in London with the action taking place back on the Thames yesterday, Camden Locke the day before and that evening in Notting Hill.

The Bond team seem to be burning the candle at both ends trying to complete filming in London as quickly as possible before moving on to other locations. Probably in an effort to minimise spoilery leaks in the capital, but at the same time - to give you some insight into how us Londoners feel about having *arguably* Britain's greatest literary and cinematic spy back on home ground, in London read the tweet below from the Camden location.

16 December 2014: Belvedere Vodka announces their partnership with SPECTRE

Last night Belvedere Vodka, the world’s original, luxury vodka celebrated its global partnership with Bond’s 24th installment, SPECTRE at the Bond In Motion Exhibition, London Film Museum.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Christophe Navarre and Charles Gibb attend the Belvedere Vodka announcement of their partnership with the James Bond film, SPECTRE at the Bond in Motion Exhibition on December 16, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for BELVEDERE VODKA) (ZOOM)

11 December 2014: The Establishing Shot scoops the first London SPECTRE shoot location

As we did with Skyfall - when we heard, via our sources that the Bond production team were ramping up for the first on location SPECTRE shoot outside of their Pinewood Studios 007 Stage. We immediately dispatched one of our top men - Hemingford Grey to the scene, keen to hear what he could uncover.

As it turns out quite a lot (I can't get him to stop talking) he has sadly taken an oath of secrecy on some very exciting bits but he certainly did not learn enough to give any indication to the larger world of SPECTRE. I should warn you even though there is much wild speculation in and amongst what we know reading this may - potentially spoil a very cool scene from SPECTRE. Over to Hemingford.

The Establishing Shot: SPECTRE FILM LOCATION - LONDON

Very often while watching an old film I would think something to the effect of Wow! It must have been really special to be around when that was made. Naturally being a confirmed Bondophile it happens a lot when watching Bond's escapades.

Visiting or seeing a film location in real life brings one a little closer to the magic of film beyond the screen. And in some small way allows you capture a little bit of the magic. Sitting around with the great-grandkids one day when the old James Bond classic SPECTRE comes on TV, being able to say "Yea I saw that in real life" is quite special, hell it's even special for me to be able to say right now.

Full story here: http://www.theestablishingshot.com/2014/12/first-look-bond-24-spectre-film.html

04 December 2014: SPECTRE: THE 24TH JAMES BOND ADVENTURE SET TO BEGIN PRODUCTION

SPECTRE THE 24TH JAMES BOND ADVENTURE SET TO BEGIN PRODUCTION
Directed by Sam Mendes
Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli
Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond 007

LONDON, UK, December 4, 2014 – 007 Soundstage, Pinewood Studios, London. James Bond Producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today released the title of the 24th James Bond adventure, SPECTRE. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fourth film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. SPECTRE begins principal photography on Monday, December 8, and is set for global release on November 6, 2015.

A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE. The 007 production will be based at Pinewood Studios, and on location in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco. Bond will return to the snow once again, this time in Sölden, along with other Austrian locations, Obertilliach, and Lake Altaussee. Commenting on the announcement, Wilson and Broccoli said,

“We’re excited to announce Daniel’s fourth installment in the series and thrilled that Sam has taken on the challenge of following on the success of SKYFALL with SPECTRE.”.

Written by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, Director of Photography is Hoyte van Hoytema and Editor is Lee Smith. Production Designer, Dennis Gassner returns along with Costume Designer, Jany Temime and Composer, Thomas Newman. Action Specialist, Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Stunt Coordinator is Gary Powell, SFX Supervisor is Chris Corbould, and Visual Effects Supervisor is Steve Begg.

Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world, taking over $1.1 billion worldwide and setting a new all-time box office record in the UK by becoming the first film to take over £100 million.

BOND 24 Live announcement to mark the start of production on the 24th Bond film
Title and cast to be revealed via live stream at www.007.com

Pinewood Studios, UK On Thursday 4th December at 11:00am GMT (3:00am PST; 6:00am EST) Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment will present a live announcement and photo call from the 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios. The title and cast of the 24th Bond film will be revealed, marking the start of principal photography on Monday 8th December. A global audience will be able to watch the announcement live via a web stream at www.007.com

- The announcement of the title and cast for the 24th Bond film will be streamed live on www.007.com and distributed live via satellite
- The announcement will also be live-tweeted via the official James Bond handle @007

James Bond is the longest running, and one of the most successful franchises of all time, with twenty-three films produced and the twenty-fourth about to go in production. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and have produced the past seven Bond films together, including the highly successful, Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace and Skyfall. All of the James Bond films have been made in collaboration with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios or United Artists, its predecessor.

Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond adventure, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world, taking in over $1.1 billion worldwide, and setting a new all-time box office mark in the UK by becoming the first film to take in over £100 million.

Albert R. Broccoli’s 007 Stage: The world famous 007 stage at Pinewood was built in 1976 for the Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. After a search across Europe, the Bond producers failed to find a stage large enough to house the three submarines the scene required, so they decided to build a new stage and tank specifically for that film. The 007 stage remains one of the largest sound stages in the world.

Slideshow: SPECTRE

SPECTRE
A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE. Sam Mendes returns to direct SPECTRE, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time. SPECTRE also stars Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, David Bautista, with Monica Bellucci, and Ralph Fiennes as “M.” SPECTRE is produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, from a script by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-three films produced since 1962. Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE, QUANTUM OF SOLACE and SKYFALL.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is celebrating 90 years as a leader in the entertainment business and as an innovator in the industry. Today, MGM is an entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of film and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content. In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels and is the majority owner of and distributor for United Artists Media Group (UAMG). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

Craig is a retired superhero, an obsessive hobbyist, comics fan, gadget lover & flâneur who knows an unhealthy amount about Ian Fleming's James Bond.When not watching or making films he takes pictures, eats, drinks, dives, tries to connect to nature whilst mentally storyboarding the greatest film ever made. He also & sometimes utilises owl-themed gadgets to fight crime. A list of his 132 favourite films can be found here! If you would still like to contact Craig please use any of the buttons below: